WASHINGTON (December 14, 2015) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson applauded the Obama administration and international leaders on reaching a historic and ambitious agreement that works to mitigate the potentially devastating effects of climate change on family farmers, ranchers and global food security.

“Climate change poses serious threats to the livelihoods of American family farmers and ranchers and to domestic and global food security,” said Johnson. “NFU applauds the ambitious benchmarks set forth in the Paris climate deal and thanks President Obama and his administration for their leadership and commitment to mitigating the worst effects of climate change.”

Nearly 200 nations signed the Paris climate deal over the weekend, “recognizing the fundamental priority of safeguarding food security and ending hunger, and the particular vulnerabilities of food production systems to the adverse impacts of climate change.”

“Increased weather volatility due to climate change inhibits family farmers and ranchers ability to reliably produce sufficient amounts of food and strains infrastructure and distribution systems,” said Johnson. “This deal highlights the importance of mitigating climate change for global food security and agriculture and calls for mitigation efforts that do not threaten food production.”

Johnson noted that the agreement provides a long-term framework for avoiding a 2 degree Celsius temperature increase from pre-industrial levels, and strives to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible. Scientists believe any increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius may result in severe and irreversible consequences.

“NFU calls on world leaders to continue the momentum from Paris and implement meaningful steps to curb carbon emissions and mitigate climate change,” said Johnson.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.